If you’re looking for the best soundbar for music, then you want to read product reviews by actual experts who have tested several soundbars with actual music in all price ranges – not fake reviews pushing you to purchase a soundbar that will crap out in the middle of your favorite album. That’s why we scour the web and certify over 110 soundbars as fully tested and then shortlist the best soundbars for music to ensure you’re ready to lose yourself in the next song. (BTW, we were shocked to find 92% of soundbar reviewers are untrustworthy and many are faking their reviews!) Finding the best soundbar for your setup is crucial for an unparalleled listening experience, blending high fidelity with the convenience of streamlined design.
Below is our list of the 3 best soundbars for music. No matter what kind of music you love, you’ll feel like you are there.
How Did We Rank the Best Soundbars for Music?
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) and 3 specifications to rank the top-rated soundbars for music and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have Dolby Atmos
- Must have an equalizer
- Must have subwoofer (independent)
🧪 Test Criteria
- Total Harmonic Distortion: A total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.7% at 80 decibels to guarantee high-fidelity audio reproduction without unwanted frequencies.
- Volume Output: The soundbar should be able to deliver a powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 91 decibels in volume output.
👍 “Nice To Haves”
- Latency: With a latency under 100 milliseconds, it ensures minimal delay in data transmission or audio processing.
- Low-End Roll Off: A low-end roll-off of < 45 Hz to ensure there is plenty of thump and rumble in the bass to enhance your music listening experience.
Latest Updates
- 04/08/2024: Published the list of best soundbars for music based on our True Score system.
Top Soundbars for Music For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To secure a spot on our list, a best soundbar for music must meet our stringent criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW-Q800A
Best For Gaming
The Samsung HW-Q800A offers excellent value, combining high volume capacity and low distortion with a sound profile that enhances both bass and treble, perfect for music enthusiasts on a budget.
True Score
88888Experts
93572Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $748$999.99$251.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Highly accurate sound quality.
- Clear, accurate vocals
- Smart features/connectivity
- Low latency
- Thumpy bass output
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor surround sound experience
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 4.5" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified No Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.4" Number of Audio Channels 3.1.2 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 29.5 lbs Width 38.6" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17.22k Max Volume Test (db) 95.1 Latency (ms) 31 THD @ 80dB 0.4 All Retailers
$251.99$1,000Save $748Availability
Free Shipping
No
$427.97Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
$499.00$900Save $401Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you love music and want a budget-friendly soundbar without compromising on quality, the Samsung HW-Q800A punches above its weight. With the ability to output up to 95.1 dB, the HW-Q800A is versatile enough to fill any room in your home with high-quality sound, from intimate bedrooms to expansive home theaters. This impressive volume capability is matched with a total harmonic distortion of just 0.40, ensuring that your music retains its clarity without unwanted distortion even at high volumes.
Its low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz guarantees a solid bass foundation, crucial for beats and rhythms across various music genres, from hip-hop to electronic. Meanwhile, the high-end roll-off starting at 17221.56 Hz ensures that the soundbar captures and reproduces the crisp, detailed highs of vocals and instruments, extending further than any other soundbar on our list to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. The soundbar also features an advanced equalizer to help tune the different parts of the music to sound exactly how you want it to.
With a low latency of 31 ms, the 800A is great if you want to play games while using your soundbar. It provides seamless audio playback across anything you play, as well as recorded concert performances.
The Q800A is perfect if you prioritize audio quality, giving you a great listening experience without breaking the bank. Its balanced sound design, coupled with impressive volume and low distortion, means you can dive deep into the nuances of your favorite albums, making it a versatile addition to any music lover’s audio setup.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW-Q950A
Ideal for audiophiles, the Samsung HW-Q950A delivers superior, distortion-free audio across a wide volume range, with detailed highs and deep bass for a truly immersive music experience.
True Score
88908Experts
915kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,060.92Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive sound quality
- Immersive surround performance
- Incredible voice clarity
- Good bass response
- Excellent connectivity and smart integration
Reasons to Avoid
- The app has limited control
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 5.4" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified No Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 11.1.4 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 44.3 lbs Width 48.5" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 35.13 High End Roll Off (Hz) 13.28k Max Volume Test (db) 98.8 Latency (ms) 80 THD @ 80dB 0.18 All Retailers
- $1,060.92
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q950A is an exceptional choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. It provides superior audio quality for an immersive music listening experience. With its maximum volume of 98.8 dB, this soundbar ensures that whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a solo listening session, your music will fill the room without any distortion, thanks to its impressively low total harmonic distortion of just 0.18, the best in its class.
The design of the HW-Q950A considers the nuanced needs of music lovers thanks to the presence of an advanced equalizer to fine-tune audio to be just right. Plus, its low-end roll-off at 35.13 Hz allows the soundbar to replicate deep bass notes with fantastic accuracy, adding a significant punch to any genre of music, from electronic dance music to classical compositions. Meanwhile, the high-end roll-off at 13279.64 Hz means the Q950A captures and delivers the delicate details in music, ensuring that high notes and intricate harmonies are rendered with clarity, making every piece of music sparkle and come alive.
But if the price tag is just too steep or you need an even louder soundbar, the Q-900T (also by Samsung) offers more volume output with identical distortion, but it comes at the cost of top-end detail, because roll off starts sooner. If you’re a big fan of bass heavy, treble light music, it’s the better option.
Moreover, while its low latency of 80 ms is often highlighted for its benefits to gaming, it equally ensures that audio syncs perfectly with visuals during music videos or live concert streams, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. The Samsung HW-Q950A stands out not just as a soundbar but as an integral component of any high-quality home audio setup, offering audiophiles and music lovers a device that delivers rich, detailed, and immersive audio across all forms of media.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW Q900T
The Samsung HW-Q900T prioritizes loud, room-filling sound with strong bass, although it compromises on high-frequency detail. It’s suited for those who want a powerful audio experience at a mid-range price.
True Score
82823Experts
88227Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$897.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- “High-quality, versatile sound “
- Great voice clarity
- Deep and accurate bass
- Many smart features and wireless connectivity
- Outstanding latency
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited surround and height performance
- Frustrating display
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 5.4" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 7.1.2 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 37.3 lbs Width 48" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 8.99k Max Volume Test (db) 99.5 Latency (ms) 13 THD @ 80dB 0.18 All Retailers
- $897.95
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $897.95$1,300Save $402
Availability
Not availableFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q900T offers a more mid-range soundbar that prioritizes maximum volume for throwing parties over maximizing audio quality. With a maximum output of 99.5 dB, the HW Q900T is capable of delivering powerful, room-filling sound. This makes it perfect for bringing every nuance of a live concert into your living room or ensuring that every layer of a complex orchestral piece is heard in full, dynamic detail. With a total harmonic distortion of just 0.18, this soundbar guarantees clean, undistorted sound across all volume levels, preserving the purity of music as intended by the artists.
The soundbar’s low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz enables it to produce deep, impactful bass, crucial for genres that rely heavily on bass lines and drum beats, adding a physical dimension to the listening experience. However, its high-end roll-off starting at 8992.01 Hz may limit the reproduction of the highest frequencies, which is definitely a drawback if you’re an audiophile or fan of genres that feature extensive high-frequency details, like classical or certain electronic music. It has an advanced equalizer that can help compensate for the roll-off to some extent, though, but if you want a better top-end roll off out of the box, Samsung’s HW-Q800A is the way to go. It’s cheaper, but it also comes at the cost of max volume, slightly higher distortion and slightly higher latency.
Its exceptionally low latency of 13 ms, a feature that greatly benefits gamers, also ensures that music lovers experience no lag between their visual and audio cues, making it ideal for watching live performances or music videos where timing is everything.
Despite the limitations of its high-end, the Samsung HW Q900T’s sound profile lets you lean into its powerful output to create a soundbar that acts like a boombox. Its strong bass and big sound give you a punchy audio experience that’s also able to handle gaming and movies without issue while maintaining great clarity and minimal distortion. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a soundbar you can pass off as a party speaker.
Did you know 92% of soundbar reviewers are
untrustworthy?
Our research found 10 of 122 soundbar reviewers as of April 2024 can be trusted, and shockingly 1 out of 3 on Google Page 1 were fake reviews showing no proof of test claims. See our Expose and Trust List. This is why Gadget Review is committed calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every soundbar review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
Our Approach to Evaluating Soundbars for Music
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like volume output, total harmonic distortion, latency, and low end roll off.
We aggregate and analyze data to ensure our recommendations align with specific needs. Particularly concerning soundbars for music, this entails selecting models that offer exceptional audio quality for watching movies, TV shows or playing video games. Explore our data-driven approach for accurate and dependable soundbar recommendations.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Soundbars for Music?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these soundbars and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a soundbar that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 0.7 | Yes | The amount of distortion introduced by the soundbar when it processes an audio signal at a given volume (typically 80, 85 or maximum dB output.) |
| Max Volume | > 91 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a soundbar reaches when it’s output is turned up to 100%. |
| Low End Roll Off | < 45 Hz | No (nice to have) | The point at which bass begins to sharply fall below the target response point on a frequency response graph, making it harder to hear. |
| Latency | < 100 ms | No (nice to have) | The time it takes for a soundbar to process audio signal from a source and output it through the speakers. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
(Publication category Score is 80%+)
We looked at 120+ soundbar reviewers and while 10 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Score above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for soundbars.
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every soundbar review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Soundbars Test Data & Results
1. total harmonic distortion test result
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the fidelity of soundbars by indicating the percentage of unwanted harmonics added to the original audio. A THD under 1 ensures minimal distortion, critical for preserving audio quality across music, movies and games. This low distortion level enhances clarity, maintains detail, and ensures a high-fidelity listening experience, crucial for understanding dialogues, appreciating music nuances, and immersing in game sounds.
We believe soundbars should have less than 1% THD because this helps confirm their ability to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio without perceptible distortion. We say “perceptible” because it’s impossible to remove all distortion, but you can reduce it to the point it’s impossible to notice. Low THD also helps improve your comfort by preventing fatigue during extended use, making it an essential for anyone that marathons movies, games or music.
harmonic distortion
< 0.7
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of distortion that exists in an audio signal when it is played back at a target volume.
Units of Measurement: None or %
Tools to Measure: Audio Analyzer
Why It’s Important:
High levels of distortion ruin audio quality. Keeping distortion low helps keep music accurate and high-fidelity.
Total Harmonic Distortion (lower is better)
2. max volume test result
Maximum volume is the easiest aspect of a soundbar to understand: it’s just how loud the soundbar itself will actually get. What’s less clear is why a soundbar getting loud is so important. While higher max volumes give you the ability the fill rooms with sound or use a soundbar as makeshift party speakers, they’re also responsible for helping ensure that audio stays clear when listening at normal listening levels.
This is commonly referred to as “headroom”, and having enough headroom on a soundbar means that the soundbar is able to play back sounds at a high enough level (and with good enough clarity) that the volume level you’ll normally listen to music, movies or games with will sound perfectly clear and distortion free. We recommend your soundbar have no less than 91 dB of maximum volume and the higher you go, the better your soundbar is at filling larger and larger rooms.
max volume
>91 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a soundbar is able to hit when the output is turned all the way up.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to fill large rooms and helps ensure clarity at normal listening levels.
Max Volume (in dB; higher is better)
3. latency test result
latency
< 100 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: Time it takes for the soundbar to process and produce the sound it receives from the source
Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Software
Why It’s Important:
Long delays create mismatches between audio and video, which breaks immersion and frustrates gamers.
Large amounts of latency create problems when trying to sync up audio and video. While you’ve got a bit of wiggle room with how much of a delay can exist between the audio that comes out of your soundbar and the images on your TV, it’s not a ton. If there’s too much latency the mismatch starts to become obvious, and people start looking like they stopped talking while dialogue is still playing. This is especially concerning for gamers, who rely on audio and video to sync up well enough that the footprints you hear around the corner are accurately getting closer.
It’s for these reasons we recommend a latency less than 100 ms. For most content, this is a low enough delay that any mismatch is going to be largely unnoticed. If you’re a highly competitive gamer and don’t want to do calibration out of the box to line up the A/V, the lowest latency you can find is going to work best. For music and moves, though, 100 ms or less will work great.
Latency (in milliseconds; lower is better)
4. Low end roll off test result
Low end roll off
< 45 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in the audible parts of the audio spectrum put out by a soundbar, giving sound “punch” and “depth.”
When it comes to getting the most bass you can out of your soundbar, low-end roll off is a great indicator of just how deep the bass on it can get. If a soundbar doesn’t have a roll off that starts deep enough into the bass part of the audio spectrum, then it’ll result in quiet or even absent bass, which removes most of the punch and impact of not only music, but also movies and video games. the longer it takes bass to roll off, the better.
When it comes to most soundbars for most use cases, we recommend a roll off that doesn’t start until at least 45 Hz, but it only gets better the further you go down. It’s worth noting that the roll off will only get so low, so don’t expect to find soundbars hitting the teens for roll off, but it isn’t uncommon for very bass-forward options to hit 30 Hz before roll off starts. By aiming for at least 45 Hz, you have a much better chance of getting the deep, rumbling bass you’re looking for out of your music, movies or games.
Low end roll off (in Hz; lower is better)
Best Soundbars for Music: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Connectivity Options: Ensure you don’t overlook the connectivity features when choosing a soundbar for music, as having versatile options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI ARC can enhance your listening experience and compatibility with different devices. Additionally, knowing how to connect a soundbar using these various options ensures you can easily integrate it with your existing setup, whether for wirelessly streaming music or enhancing the audio from your TV or gaming console.
- Sacrificing Audio Quality for Sleek Design: Avoid prioritizing aesthetics over audio performance, as opting for a slim and stylish design may sometimes compromise on sound quality, resulting in a less immersive music experience.
- Overlooking Bass Performance: Don’t make the mistake of disregarding bass capabilities, as a soundbar with insufficient bass output can lead to a lackluster music playback, especially for genres that heavily rely on low frequencies like hip-hop or EDM. To ensure deep and impactful bass that elevates your music experience, consider the best soundbar with a subwoofer can significantly enhance the depth and richness of sound across all genres.
- Neglecting Room Size and Acoustics: Be mindful of your room’s dimensions and acoustics when selecting a soundbar, as a mismatch between the soundbar’s capabilities and your room’s characteristics can impact sound clarity and overall performance, hindering your enjoyment of music. Proper soundbar placement enhances audio clarity and projection, avoiding proximity to the floor or obstructions. When considering soundbar vs surround sound, a strategically selected soundbar presents a simpler, space-efficient solution for quality sound in acoustically challenging rooms.
The Best Soundbars for Music – Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
|
Max Volume Test
|
Latency
|
THD @ 80dB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $251.99 $1,000 $748 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $1,060.92 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
| $897.95 |
